14/03/2008

Midwife Shortage Causes Major Concern

A consultants offer to give up approximately €36,000 of his annual pay to employ a midwife in one of the country's busiest maternity units has clearly demonstrated the apparent desperate state of hospital staffing, it has been claimed.

Dr David Vaughan, Chairman of the Medical Board at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, made the offer in a letter outlining his serious concern at lack of midwives and neonatal nurses in maternity unit.

The consultant told the hospital management he was concerned by the marked deficit in neonatal nursing and midwifery numbers at the site.

He also warned he was very concerned about the effects the lack of staffing levels would have when it comes to taking care of mothers and newborn babies.

Some 88 midwives are required for the hospital but they currently only employ 77.

(CD)

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